MACED Overview

Creative Solutions — Research That Leads to Change…

about us

MACED serves Kentucky and Central Appalachia, with a focus on the 51 Appalachian counties of Kentucky as designated by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

MACED works so that Appalachian communities are better places to live. We partner with local people to build upon the strengths of the region and assist businesses that grow local economies and create opportunities for low-income people.

MACED invests with capital and commitment. We understand that a vibrant economy is critical, but is only one measure of a community’s well being. Protected natural resources and engaged residents are also necessary to create a high quality of life. Local people and decision-makers must believe that a better future is possible and see concrete ways to get there.

Three decades of dedication to the people and places of Appalachia have shown us that high expectations, vision and hard work are essential to accomplish results. That’s why they are the foundation for our current strategies.

Providing financial capital and expertise to individuals, businesses and communities.
Through financial investments and technical assistance, we help local businesses prosper, putting them in a better place to invest in their employees and services that make a difference to communities. We are proud to have lent over $3.25 million to 64 businesses and impacted more than 526 jobs in Fiscal Year 2005.

MACED is not the only business development lender serving distressed communities. Nor are we the biggest. Our aim is to have the greatest impact. Success is measured by more than numbers—with this desire and capacity comes the experience to guide investment decisions that also build wealth, provide tangible benefits and have a lasting effect in the region.

Conducting research that informs and supports good public policy.

MACED identifies strategies that work then helps give voice, reach and know-how to local efforts. MACED connects communities, elected officials and policy-makers to craft solutions that consider everyone. From forestland ownership to equitable tax and expenditure policies, the issues have varied, but the commonality is clear: MACED advocates for fair, equitable polices that include all people affected.

Crafting effective development tools that make a difference.

For Appalachian communities to have a brighter tomorrow, they need better tools to retain the rich natural resources of today and create new wealth. MACED recognizes this is a continuing challenge that requires new and often untried approaches. Whether it’s a sustainable forestry initiative or an innovative loan to combating payday lending, we seek to understand the basis of a problem and craft a solution that works. These efforts have improved access to safe drinking water, built citizen action teams and helped people access affordable mortgages.

MACED understands there is no single solution to the persistent challenges Appalachia faces. Over the years our work in Appalachia has included the following.

• Supporting local Action Teams working on sustainable development.

• Researching the role of the coal industry in the region’s communities.

• Demonstrating viable solutions to home waste-water treatment problems.

• Coordinating the issuance of innovative multi-county mortgage revenue bonds.

• Developing an Internet-based entrepreneurial assistance center.

• Publishing educational handbooks for Kentucky’s forest landowners.

• Supporting small businesses with financial and technical assistance.

• Launching an organization that works, through local people, to improve the educational attainment of residents in the region.